U.S. patent application number 11/943862 was filed with the patent office on 2009-05-21 for method and apparatus for providing a fixed relief touch screen with locating features using deformable haptic surfaces.
This patent application is currently assigned to Immersion Corp.. Invention is credited to Juan M. Cruz-Hernandez, Danny A. Grant.
Application Number | 20090128503 11/943862 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40641422 |
Filed Date | 2009-05-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090128503 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Grant; Danny A. ; et
al. |
May 21, 2009 |
Method and Apparatus for Providing A Fixed Relief Touch Screen With
Locating Features Using Deformable Haptic Surfaces
Abstract
A method and apparatus for an electronic interface device
capable of providing a fixed relief touch screen with locating
features using deformable haptic surfaces are disclosed. The
device, in one embodiment, includes a haptic mechanism and a
touch-sensitive surface. The haptic mechanism provides haptic
feedback in response to an activating command. The touch-sensitive
surface is capable of changing its surface texture from a first
surface characteristic to a second surface characteristic in
response to the haptic feedback. For example, the first surface
characteristic may be coarse texture while the second surface
characteristic may be smooth texture.
Inventors: |
Grant; Danny A.; (Laval,
CA) ; Cruz-Hernandez; Juan M.; (Montreal,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
James M. Wu;JW Law Group
84 W. Santa Clara Street, Suite 820
San Jose
CA
95113
US
|
Assignee: |
Immersion Corp.
San Jose
CA
|
Family ID: |
40641422 |
Appl. No.: |
11/943862 |
Filed: |
November 21, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
345/173 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 3/04886 20130101;
G06F 2203/04809 20130101; G06F 3/016 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
345/173 |
International
Class: |
G06F 3/041 20060101
G06F003/041 |
Claims
1. An interface device comprising: a haptic mechanism operable to
provide haptic feedback in response to an activating command; and a
touch-sensitive surface coupled to the haptic mechanism and capable
of changing its surface relief from a first surface characteristic
to a second surface characteristic in response to the activating
command.
2. The device of claim 1, wherein the haptic mechanism operable to
provide haptic feedback further includes a first tactile feedback
and a second tactile feedback, wherein the first tactile feedback
causes the touch-sensitive surface to deform, and wherein the
second tactile feedback confirms an input selections.
3. The device of claim 1, wherein the haptic mechanism includes a
plurality of pins, wherein the plurality of pins moves above the
touch-sensitive surface and moves below the touch-sensitive surface
through a plurality of holes in the touch-sensitive surface.
4. The device of claim 1, wherein the haptic mechanism includes a
lateral displacement mechanism, wherein the lateral displacement is
capable of changing the surface relief of the touch-sensitive
surface by moving the touch-sensitive surface laterally against the
haptic mechanism.
5. The device of claim 1, wherein the haptic mechanism includes a
plurality of air pockets, wherein the plurality of air pockets is
capable of alter the surface relief of the touch-sensitive surface
by filling and releasing air in the plurality of air pockets.
6. The device of claim 1, wherein the haptic mechanism includes a
plurality of haptic materials, wherein the plurality of haptic
materials is operable to change the surface relief of the
touch-sensitive surface by changing the physical sizes of the
plurality of haptic materials.
7. The device of claim 1, wherein the haptic feedback includes
haptic acknowledgement to a user confirming a user input.
8. The device of claim 1, wherein the surface relief includes
bumps, holes, and a combination of bumps and holes.
9. The device of claim 1, wherein the touch-sensitive surface is a
flexible and deformable surface that is capable of sensing touches
on the touch-sensitive surface.
10. A method of controlling surface relief of a touch-sensitive
surface, comprising: maintaining the touch-sensitive surface in a
first surface characterization; receiving a command for activating
haptic feedback; activating a haptic mechanism in response to the
command; generating the haptic feedback to change surface relief of
the touch-sensitive surface from the first surface characterization
to a second surface characterization.
11. The method of claim 10, further comprising sensing a contact on
the touch-sensitive surface and generating an input signal in
response to the contact and sending the input signal to a
processing unit.
12. The method of claim 10, wherein maintaining the touch-sensitive
surface in a first surface characterization further includes
maintaining bumps on the touch-sensitive surface.
13. The method of claim 10, wherein receiving a command for
activating haptic feedback further includes receiving the command
from a user.
14. The method of claim 10, wherein generating the haptic feedback
to change the touch-sensitive surface further includes creating
bump sensation on the surface relief of the touch-sensitive
surface.
15. The method of claim 10, wherein generating the haptic feedback
to change the touch-sensitive surface further includes moving a
plurality of pins above and below the touch-sensitive surface via a
set of predefined holes in the touch-sensitive surface.
16. The method of claim 10, wherein generating the haptic feedback
to change the touch-sensitive surface further includes shifting the
touch-sensitive surface laterally against the haptic mechanism to
form sensation of bumps and holes.
17. The method of claim 10, wherein generating the haptic feedback
to change the touch-sensitive surface further includes buckling the
touch-sensitive surface to form a bump.
18. The method of claim 10, wherein generating the haptic feedback
to change surface relief of the touch-sensitive surface from the
first surface characterization to a second surface characterization
further includes changing from a coarse texture to a smooth
texture.
19. The method of claim 10, wherein generating the haptic feedback
to change surface relief of the touch-sensitive surface from the
first surface characterization to a second surface characterization
further includes changing from a smooth texture to a rough
texture.
20. An apparatus for controlling surface relief of a
touch-sensitive surface, comprising: means for maintaining the
touch-sensitive surface in a first surface characterization; means
for receiving a command for activating haptic feedback; means for
activating a haptic mechanism in response to the command; means for
generating the haptic feedback to change surface relief of the
touch-sensitive surface from the first surface characterization to
a second surface characterization.
21. The apparatus of claim 20, further comprising means for sensing
a contact on the touch-sensitive surface and generating an input
signal in response to the contact and sending the input signal to a
processing unit.
22. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein means for maintaining the
touch-sensitive surface in a first surface characterization further
includes means for maintaining bumps on the touch-sensitive
surface.
23. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein means for receiving a
command for activating haptic feedback further includes means for
receiving the command from a user.
24. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein means for generating the
haptic feedback to change the touch-sensitive surface further
includes means for creating bump sensation on the surface relief of
the touch-sensitive surface; and wherein means for generating the
haptic feedback to change the touch-sensitive surface further
includes means for moving a plurality of pins above and below the
touch-sensitive surface via a set of predefined holes in the
touch-sensitive surface.
25. A haptic interface device comprising: a display layer operable
to display viewable images; a touch screen layer disposed over the
display layer and capable of receiving an input by sensing one or
more surface contacts; a haptic mechanism layer disposed over the
touch screen layer and operable to provide haptic feedback in
response to an activating command; and a touch surface layer
disposed over the haptic mechanism layer and having a plurality of
opens, wherein the plurality of opens facilitate a change of
surface relief of the touch surface layer from a smooth surface to
a coarse surface in response to the activating command.
26. The device of claim 25, wherein the haptic mechanism layer
disposed over the touch screen layer and operable to provide haptic
feedback further includes a first tactile feedback and a second
tactile feedback, wherein the first tactile feedback causes the
touch surface layer to deform.
27. The device of claim 26, wherein the second tactile feedback
includes a haptic user acknowledgement confirming the input.
28. The device of claim 25, wherein the haptic mechanism layer
includes a plurality of pins, wherein the plurality of pins moves
above the touch surface layer and moves below the touch surface
layer through the plurality of opens in the touch surface
layer.
29. The device of claim 25, wherein the coarse surface includes
bumps, holes, and a combination of bumps and holes.
30. The device of claim 25, wherein the haptic mechanism layer is a
rigid layer having one or more surface features
31. The device of claim 30, wherein the touch surface layer is a
flexible and deformable surface capable of forming a raised surface
in response to one or more features of haptic mechanism layer.
32. The device of claim 25, wherein the activating command is
generated when a sensor detects a surface contact on the touch
surface layer.
Description
FIELD
[0001] The exemplary embodiment(s) of the present invention relates
to a field of electronic interface devices. More specifically, the
exemplary embodiment(s) of the present invention relates to a user
interface device with haptic feedback.
BACKGROUND
[0002] As computer-based systems, appliances, automated teller
machines, point of sale terminals and the like have become more
prevalent in recent years, the ease of use of the human-machine
interface is becoming more and more important. Such interfaces
should operate intuitively and require little or no training so
that they may be used by virtually anyone. Many conventional user
interface devices are available on the market, such as the key
board, the mouse, the joystick, and the touch screen. One of the
most intuitive and interactive interface devices known is the touch
panel, which can be a touch screen or a touch pad. A touch screen
includes a touch-sensitive input panel and a display device,
usually in a sandwich structure and provides a user with a machine
interface through touching a panel sensitive to the user's touch
and displaying content that the user "touches." A conventional
touch pad is a small planar rectangular pad, which can be installed
near a display, on a computer, an automobile input device, and the
like.
[0003] A conventional touch-sensitive panel typically has a smooth
flat surface and uses sensors such as capacitive sensors and/or
pressure sensors to sense locations being touched by a finger(s)
and/or an object(s). For example, a user presses a region of a
touch screen commonly with a fingertip to emulate a button press
and/or moves his or her finger on the panel according to the
graphics displayed behind the panel on the display device. Once the
input(s) are sensed, the sensed input(s) are forwarded to a
processor for processing.
[0004] A problem associated with the conventional touch-sensitive
panel is that it does not provide relief information to the user.
For example, a typical touch-sensitive panel has a smooth and flat
surface and consequently, a user can not feel the edge(s) of a
button. Another problem associated with the conventional
touch-sensitive panel is the inability to provide input
confirmation when a user enters an input. For example, when a user
presses a location on a conventional touch-sensitive panel, the
panel typically does not have the capability to confirm the
selected input instantaneous. As such, lack of locating features
such as buttons and lack of input confirmation information are
drawbacks associated with a typical conventional touch-sensitive
panel.
SUMMARY
[0005] A method and an electronic interface device capable of
providing fixed relief information on a touch panel with locating
features are disclosed. The device, in one embodiment, includes a
haptic mechanism and a touch-sensitive surface. The haptic
mechanism provides haptic feedback in response to an activating
command. The activating command can be initiated by a user or a
logic device. The touch-sensitive surface is capable of changing
its surface texture from a first surface characteristic to a second
surface characteristic in response to the activating command. For
example, the first surface characteristic may include a coarse
texture while the second surface characteristic may include a
smooth texture. In an alternative embodiment, the touch-sensitive
surface includes a touch surface layer and a touch screen layer,
wherein the touch screen layer senses inputs from touching.
[0006] Additional features and benefits of the exemplary
embodiment(s) of the present invention will become apparent from
the detailed description, figures and claims set forth below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] The exemplary embodiment(s) of the present invention will be
understood more fully from the detailed description given below and
from the accompanying drawings of various embodiments of the
invention, which, however, should not be taken to limit the
invention to the specific embodiments, but are for explanation and
understanding only.
[0008] FIG. 1A is a block diagram illustrating a fixed relief
display having one or more programmable relief functionalities in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;
[0009] FIG. 1B is a block diagram illustrating multiple regions
having programmable relief information functionalities in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;
[0010] FIG. 1C is a three-dimensional ("3-D") block diagram
illustrating an interface device having a deformable haptic surface
capable of providing locating features in accordance with one
embodiment of the present invention;
[0011] FIG. 1D is another example of 3-D block diagram illustrating
an interface device having a deformable haptic surface with
multiple independent regions in accordance with one embodiment of
the present invention;
[0012] FIG. 2A is a cross-section diagram illustrating an interface
device having a deformable haptic surface on a touch screen in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;
[0013] FIG. 2B is a cross-section diagram illustrating an interface
device capable of providing locating features using a set of
openings on a touch screen in accordance with one embodiment of the
present invention;
[0014] FIG. 2C is a cross-section diagram illustrating an interface
device employing a lateral displacement haptic mechanism to provide
locating features in accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention;
[0015] FIG. 2D is a cross-section diagram illustrating a deformable
haptic surface employing a push and pull haptic mechanism to
provide locating features in accordance with one embodiment of the
present invention;
[0016] FIG. 3(a-b) illustrates a haptic cell in an interface device
using piezoelectric materials to generate haptic effects in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;
[0017] FIG. 4(a-b) is a diagram illustrating another embodiment of
a haptic cell using Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems ("MEMS")
device to generate haptic effects in accordance with one embodiment
of the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 5(a-b) illustrates a side view of an interface device
having an array of haptic cells with thermal fluid pockets in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;
[0019] FIG. 6(a-b) illustrates a haptic cell employing
Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems pumps to generate haptic effects
in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;
[0020] FIG. 7 illustrates a side view diagram for an interface
device having an array of haptic cells using variable porosity
membrane in accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention;
[0021] FIG. 8 is a side view of an interface device having an array
of haptic cells using various resonant devices in accordance with
one embodiment of the present invention; and
[0022] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a process of providing
locating features on a deformable haptic surface in accordance with
one embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0023] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are described
herein in the context of a method, system and apparatus for
providing fixed relief information to a touch screen with locating
features using a deformable haptic surface.
[0024] Those of ordinary skilled in the art will realize that the
following detailed description of the exemplary embodiment(s) is
illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting.
Other embodiments will readily suggest themselves to such skilled
persons having the benefit of this disclosure. Reference will now
be made in detail to implementations of the exemplary embodiment(s)
as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The same reference
indicators will be used throughout the drawings and the following
detailed description to refer to the same or like parts.
[0025] In the interest of clarity, not all of the routine features
of the implementations described herein are shown and described. It
will, of course, be appreciated that in the development of any such
actual implementation, numerous implementation-specific decisions
must be made in order to achieve the developer's specific goals,
such as compliance with application- and business-related
constraints, and that these specific goals will vary from one
implementation to another and from one developer to another.
Moreover, it will be appreciated that such a development effort
might be complex and time-consuming, but would nevertheless be a
routine undertaking of engineering for those of ordinary skilled in
the art having the benefit of this disclosure.
[0026] An interface device capable of providing a fixed relief
touch panel with locating features using deformable haptic surfaces
is disclosed. The device, in one embodiment, includes a haptic
mechanism and a touch-sensitive surface. The haptic mechanism
provides haptic feedback in response to an activating command. The
activating command can be initiated by a user or a logic device.
The touch-sensitive surface is capable of changing its surface
texture or surface relief from a first surface characteristic to a
second surface characteristic in response to the haptic feedback.
For example, the first surface characteristic may include a coarse
texture while the second surface characteristic may include a
smooth texture. A function of the exemplary embodiment(s) of the
present invention is to provide fixed relief information of a touch
panel to a user(s) when the device is activated. It should be noted
that the mechanism of providing a deformable-fixed relief surface
is applicable to smooth flat surfaces or coarse non-flat
surfaces.
[0027] FIG. 1A is a block diagram 100 illustrating a fixed relief
display having one or more programmable relief functionalities in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Diagram
100 illustrates a top view of an interface device 106 having a
location pattern illustrating buttons and sliders. Diagram 110 is a
side view or cross-section view of interface device 106, which
illustrates a coarse textured deformable surface with a pattern of
raising shaped features 102. Interface device 106, in this example,
includes a set of nine (9) buttons 102 and a slider 104. When
interface device 106 is activated, various predefined areas 102
begin to rise emulating physical edges of buttons and slider 104.
In an alternative embodiment, device 106 includes different input
objects with different shapes such as bars, keys, balls, rings, and
the like. It should be noted that interface device 106 can be used
as a user interface device for a cellular phone, a personal digital
assistant ("PDA"), an automotive data input system, and so
forth.
[0028] Interface device 106 provides a pattern of locating features
as relief information, which assists a user to pinpoint exactly
where to press on a touch-sensitive surface. Interface device 106,
in one embodiment, uses one or more actuator(s) to activate the
pattern of locating features. When the actuator(s) is activated,
the surface of interface device 106 forms relief information with a
pattern of locating features. The surface of interface device 106,
however, returns to its smooth surface when the actuator is
deactivated. It should be noted that a function of the one
embodiment of the present invention is to allow an interface device
to form a pattern of locating features when it is desirable. It
should be noted that the underlying concept of the exemplary
embodiment of the present invention would not change if one or more
blocks or layers were added to or removed from device 106.
[0029] The haptic mechanism, in one embodiment, is operable to
provide haptic feedback in response to an activating command, and a
touch-sensitive surface is capable of changing its surface
characteristic from coarse texture to smooth texture or vice versa.
The haptic mechanism provides multiple tactile or haptic feedbacks
wherein one tactile feedback may be configured to be used for
surface deformation, such as by emulating buttons, while another
tactile feedback is configured to be used for input confirmation,
such as through generating a vibration. The haptic mechanism, for
example, may be implemented by various techniques, such as vertical
displacement, lateral displacement, push/pull technique, air/fluid
pockets, local deformation of materials, resonant mechanical
elements, and the like.
[0030] Vertical displacement, in one embodiment, includes a set of
pins, wherein the pins are configured to move in a vertical
direction between layers such as a touch surface layer and a
display layer. The lateral displacement of haptic mechanism, on the
other hand, employs a lateral displacement mechanism to create a
coarse textured surface and/or a smooth textured surface in
response to the lateral direction of movement of the layers to be
shifted. Other haptic mechanisms for generating haptic feedbacks
are available, such as air-pockets haptic mechanisms, piezoelectric
materials, and the like. It should be noted that the haptic
mechanism may include multiple cells or regions wherein each cell
or region can be independently controlled or activated. Interface
device 106 illustrated in FIG. 1A is a single region
configuration.
[0031] The touch-sensitive surface, for example, may be a flexible
and/or deformable surface, which is capable of sensing finger
touches or contacts on the surface. The surface texture or surface
relief of the touch-sensitive surface, in one embodiment, can
change from coarse to smooth texture or vice verse. The terms
surface texture and surface relief are used interchangeably herein.
The coarse texture or condition, for example, emulates a sensation
of a button edge(s) when a user touches a bump on the surface. The
coarse texture can also create a sensation of a key, a hole, and
the like. The haptic feedback can also provide a click sensation
when a button is being pressed. An alternatively embodiment, touch
sensitive surface of interface device 106 provides a kinesthetic
button, which is capable of actually moving away from user's finger
when certain force from the finger is applied to a button-like
bump. The surface having a smooth texture indicates that the touch
surface is free from irregularities, projections, and/or roughness.
It should be noted that the kinesthetic button is also capable of
vibrating for input confirmation.
[0032] FIG. 1B is a block diagram 120 illustrating an interface
device having multiple regions for providing relief information in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Diagram
120 illustrates a top view of an interface device 116, which
includes ten (10) independent fixed cells or regions 121-130. It
should be noted that each region could be a vibrating ping that
vibrates to confirm the press of the finger on the surface. Each
region can be independently programmed or controlled to provide
relief information. Diagram 132 is a cross-section view of
interface device 116, which illustrates a pattern of locating
features that can be programmed. For example, Regions 134-136 are
activated while region 138 is deactivated. Since each region can be
selectively activated, interface device 116 is capable of changing
its surface configurations for different applications. For example,
interface device 116 may activate certain regions to configure the
touch-sensitive surface as a key pad for a telephone.
Alternatively, the touch surface may be configured as a key pad for
a PDA. It should be noted that interface device 116 could have more
than ten (10) independent controllable regions. For example,
interface device 116 may include a 10.times.10 programmable grid,
which may have 100 independent programmable regions.
[0033] FIG. 1C is a three-dimensional (3-D) block diagram
illustrating an interface device 140 having a deformable haptic
surface capable of providing the locating features in accordance
with one embodiment of the present invention. Interface device 140
includes a touch-sensitive surface 142, a haptic mechanism 144, and
a display 146. Display 146 could be a liquid crystal display
("LCD") or a plasma flat panel display. Touch-sensitive surface 142
is capable of receiving inputs via contacting and/or touching on
the surface. In one embodiment, touch-sensitive surface 142
includes a touch surface layer and a touch-sensitive screen layer.
It should be noted that the underlying concept of the exemplary
embodiment of the present invention would not change if one or more
blocks (circuits or layers) were added to or removed from device
140.
[0034] Haptic mechanism 144, in one embodiment, includes multiple
pins 148 and is made of rigid or solid materials such as alloy,
metal, plastic, and the like. Touch-sensitive surface 142, on the
other hand, is a relatively soft and flexible surface.
Touch-sensitive surface 142 and haptic mechanism 144 are configured
in such a way that they can move relative with each other. For
instance, haptic mechanism 144 is configured to move along z-axis
while touch-sensitive surface 142 is in a fixed position. When
haptic mechanism 144 moves up against touch-sensitive surface 142,
pins 148 on haptic mechanism 144 cause portions of touch-sensitive
surface 142 to form bumps 102 due to the push from pin 148. As
such, bumps 102 cause touch-sensitive surface 142 to be coarse or
rough.
[0035] When haptic mechanism 144 is activated, the surface texture
of touch-sensitive surface 142 displays a relief surface that is a
series of user contactable bumps or buttons. On the other hand,
when haptic mechanism 144 is not activated, the surface texture of
touch-sensitive surface 142 becomes smooth. Alternatively,
touch-sensitive surface 142 has a coarse texture when haptic
mechanism 144 is not activated while touch-sensitive surface 142
has a smooth texture when haptic mechanism 144 is activated. Relief
information emulating locating features such as bumps 102 can be
generated in accordance with the haptic feedbacks. Alternatively,
touch-sensitive surface 142 can be configured to be the moving
layer while haptic mechanism 144 is a fixed layer. For example,
when haptic mechanism 144 is activated, touch-sensitive surface 142
is configured to move along the z-axis relative to haptic mechanism
144. The surface texture of touch-sensitive surface 142 changes
depending on the location of touch-sensitive surface 142 along the
z-axis. In another embodiment, actuator(s) 149 in interface device
140 are used to generate haptic feedbacks or tactile feedbacks for
input confirmation as well as haptic relief information.
[0036] FIG. 1D is another example of 3-D block diagram illustrating
an interface device 150 having a deformable haptic surface with
multiple independent regions in accordance with one embodiment of
the present invention. Interface device 150 includes a touch
surface 152, a haptic mechanism 154, a touch screen 139, and a
display 156, wherein display 156 could be a LCD or any other types
of flat panel displays. Touch surface 152, in one embodiment, is a
flexible layer for contacting and/or touching. Touch screen 139 or
touch-sensitive layer is configured to sense an input(s) via
contacting and/or touching on touch surface 152. For example, touch
screen 139 may include various sensors such as capacitance sensors
to detect user's contact by sensing the change of capacitance. It
should be noted that the underlying concept of this embodiment of
the present invention would not change if one or more layers were
added to interface device 150.
[0037] Haptic mechanism 154, in one embodiment, includes multiple
haptic controllable cells or regions 160-170 wherein each region
supports a pin 148. Haptic mechanism 154 is made of rigid materials
such as alloy, metal, plastic, and the like. Each region can be
independently controlled and activated. Touch surface 152, on the
other hand, is made of relatively flexible materials such as
plastics and soft materials. Touch surface 152, in this embodiment,
includes a set of predefined openings or holes 172, which allow pin
or pins 148 to move through holes 172 extending portions of pins
148 above touch surface 152. When pins 148 reach above touch
surface 152, button-like sensation with sharp edges on top of touch
surface 152 are emulated when they are being felt.
[0038] Touch surface 152 and haptic mechanism 154 are configured in
such a way that they can move relative with each other for
controlling surface texture of touch surface 152. For instance,
haptic mechanism 154 is configured to move in z-axis allowing pins
148 to move above or below touch surface 152 via holes 172 to
control surface texture. For example, when the top surfaces of pins
148 level with touch surface 152, the surface texture of touch
surface 152 should feel substantially smooth. Since each region can
be independently controlled, different relief information may be
generated for different input interfaces. It should be noted that
different input interface has different configuration. For example,
a phone input interface may require a different layout than a game
input interface. It should be further noted that a thin flexible
layer may be deposited over touch surface 152 to keep out the
foreign objects such as dirt or liquid. The thin flexible layer may
be an elastomeric (clear if a touch screen) layer, which is made of
flexible materials such as nylon, urethane, acrylic, co-polymers,
and the like.
[0039] FIG. 2A is a cross-section diagram 200 illustrating an
interface device having a deformable haptic surface on a touch
screen in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
Diagram 200 includes a deformable touch-sensitive surface 202, a
haptic mechanism 204, and a display 206. Display 206, in one
embodiment, is an LCD or other flat panel display capable of
displaying images viewable by the user. It should be noted that the
underlying concept of the exemplary embodiment of the present
invention would not change if one or more layers were added to
diagram 200.
[0040] Haptic mechanism 204, in one embodiment, uses a (vertical)
displacement technique to generate haptic feedbacks. Haptic
feedback can also be referred to as tactile effect, tactile
feedback, haptic effect, force feedback, or vibrotactile feedback.
Haptic mechanism 204, having a predefined set of pins 210, is
capable of moving between touch-sensitive surface 202 and display
206 vertically as indicated by arrows 209 as shown in FIG. 2A. When
haptic mechanism 204 is activated, it moves in a direction relative
to touch-sensitive surface 202 to change the surface texture using
a set of pins 210. Since touch-sensitive surface 202 is made of
deformable material while pins 210 are made of rigid material,
portions of touch-sensitive surface 202 are being pushed up or
deformed by pins 210 to form bumps 208. Bumps 208, in one
embodiment, emulate edges of buttons on touch-sensitive surface 202
for relief information. It should be noted that haptic mechanism
204 can be configured to provide both relief information as well as
input confirmation to the user(s) through a vibrotactile
response.
[0041] Diagram 220 is a cross-section view of the interface device
illustrating an alternative embodiment of interface device 210. The
interface device includes touch-sensitive surface 202, haptic
mechanism 204, and display 206. When haptic mechanism 204 is
activated, a user's finger should feel a hole or opening sensation
when the finger touches an indentation 222. In one embodiment, tips
of pins 210 are attached to touch-sensitive layer 202 and when pins
210 pull away from touch-sensitive surface 202, they generate
multiple indentations 222 on touch-sensitive layer 202.
Alternative, pins 210 use various types of attractive forces or
fields to create indentations 222 on the deformable surface of
touch-sensitive surface 202.
[0042] FIG. 2B is a cross-section diagram 230 illustrating an
interface device capable of providing the locating features using a
set of openings on a touch screen in accordance with one embodiment
of the present invention. Diagram 230 includes a touch surface 232,
a haptic mechanism 204, a touch screen 239, and a display 236.
Display 236 may be a flat panel display capable of displaying
images viewable by the user. It should be noted that touch surface
232 and haptic mechanism 204 may be clear or substantially clear
whereby the user can view the images displayed by display 236
through the layers of touch surface 232 and haptic mechanism 204.
Touch screen 239 may include various capacitance sensors used for
detecting user inputs by sensing the change of the capacitance. It
should be noted that the underlying concept of the exemplary
embodiment of the present invention would not change if one or more
layers were added to device 230. In one embodiment, a thin
elastomeric layer, not shown in FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B, is deposited
over touch-sensitive surface 202 or touch surface 232 to keep out
the foreign objects such as dirt or liquid. It should be noted that
the elastomeric layer can be clear and may be made of flexible
materials such as nylon, urethane, acrylic, co-polymers, and the
like.
[0043] Haptic mechanism 204, in one embodiment, uses a displacement
(vertical) technique to generate haptic feedbacks. Haptic mechanism
204, having a predefined set of pins 210, is capable of moving
between touch surface 232 and touch screen 239 vertically as
indicated by arrows 209 as shown in FIG. 2B. When haptic mechanism
204 is activated, it moves in a direction relative to touch surface
232 to change the surface texture using pins 210. Touch surface
232, in this embodiment, includes a set of predefined openings or
holes 234, which provide a set of conduits allowing pins 210 to
extend above touch-sensitive surface 232. When pins 210 reach above
touch surface 232, button-like sensation on the top of
touch-surface 232 is emulated. On the other hand, when the top
surfaces of pins 210 level with touch surface 232, the surface
texture of touch surface 232 should feel smooth or substantially
smooth. It should be noted that haptic mechanism 204 can be
configured to provide both relief information as well as input
confirmation to the user(s).
[0044] Diagram 240 is another cross-section view of interface
device illustrating an alternative embodiment of interface device
illustrated in diagram 230. Diagram 240 includes touch surface 232,
haptic mechanism 204, touch screen 239, and display 236. When
haptic mechanism 204 is activated, a user's finger should feel hole
or opening sensation when the finger touches indentations 238. By
manipulating haptic mechanism 204 relative to touch surface 232,
the relief information is created. It should also be noted that
vibration of pins 210 just below the surface can still be felt for
confirmation.
[0045] FIG. 2C is a cross-section diagram 250 illustrating an
interface device employing a lateral displacement haptic mechanism
to provide the locating features in accordance with one embodiment
of the present invention. Diagram 250 includes a touch-sensitive
surface 252, a haptic mechanism 254, and a lever 256. Lever 256 is
a rigid bar wherein one end of the bar is pivoted on a fixed point
at touch-sensitive surface 252 and/or another end of the bar is
pivoted on another fixed point at haptic mechanism 254. Other
layers may be added to diagram 250, but they are not important to
understand the present embodiment of the present invention.
[0046] In operation, when haptic mechanism 254 shifts laterally
relative to touch-sensitive surface 252, lever 256 changes its
position, which is substantially perpendicular to touch-sensitive
surface 252. The new position generates one or more bumps 262 as
illustrated in diagram 260. As such, a coarse surface is formed
when lever 256 is in one position while a smooth surface is formed
when lever 256 is in another position as illustrated FIG. 2C.
[0047] FIG. 2D is a cross-section diagram 270 illustrating a
deformable haptic surface employing a push and pull haptic
mechanism in accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention. Diagram 270 includes a touch-sensitive surface 272 and a
haptic mechanism 274. When touch-sensitive surface 272 is being
pushed at both ends as indicated by arrows 279, touch-sensitive
surface 272 creates various bumps 282 by buckling its surface as
illustrated in diagram 280. Alternatively, if one side of
touch-sensitive surface 272 is fixed and the other side of
touch-sensitive surface 272 is being pushed, touch-sensitive
surface 272 also buckles to create various bumps 282. It should be
noted that touch-sensitive surface 272 may be replaced with a touch
surface and a touch screen.
[0048] Haptic mechanisms as described above can be used by an
interface device having multiple haptic cells or regions. A
combination of different haptic mechanisms may also be used in one
interface device to achieve the best haptic results. The following
embodiments illustrated by FIG. 3 through FIG. 8 are additional
examples of haptic devices that can be used to generate haptic
feedback for controlling surface texture as well as input
confirmation.
[0049] FIG. 3(a) illustrates a haptic region 310 using
piezoelectric materials to generate haptic effects in accordance
with one embodiment of the present invention. Region 310 includes
an electrical insulated layer 302, a piezoelectric material 304,
and wires 306. Electrical insulated layer 302 has a top surface and
a bottom surface, wherein the top surface is configured to receive
inputs. A grid or an array of piezoelectric materials 304 in one
embodiment is constructed to form a piezoelectric or haptic layer,
which also has a top and a bottom surface. The top surface of the
piezoelectric layer is situated adjacent to the bottom surface of
electrical insulated layer 302. Each region 310 includes at least
one piezoelectric material 304 wherein piezoelectric material 304
is used to generate haptic effects independent of other
piezoelectric region 310 in piezoelectric layer. In one embodiment,
multiple adjacent or neighboring regions 310 are capable of
generating multiple haptic effects in response to multiple
substantially simultaneous touches. In another embodiment, each of
regions 310 has a unique piezoelectric material thereby it is
capable of initiating a unique haptic sensation.
[0050] It should be noted that a tactile touch panel, which
includes an electrical insulated layer 302 and a piezoelectric
layer, in some embodiments further includes a display, not shown in
the figure. This display may be coupled to the bottom surface of
the piezoelectric layer and is capable of projecting images that
are viewable from the top surface of electrical insulated layer
302. It should be noted that the display can be a flat panel
display or a flexible display. Piezoelectric materials 304, in one
embodiment, are substantially transparent and small. The shape of
piezoelectric material 304, for example, deforms in response to
electrical potentials applied via electrical wires 306.
[0051] During a manufacturing process, a piezoelectric film is
printed to include an array or a grid of piezoelectric regions 310.
In one embodiment, a film of regions 310 containing piezoelectric
materials is printed on a sheet in a cell grid arrangement. The
film further includes wirings for directly addressing every region
310 in the device using electrical control signals. Region 310, for
example, can be stimulated using edge or back mounted electronics.
Piezoelectric materials may include crystals and/or ceramics such
as quartz (Sio.sub.2)
[0052] FIG. 3(b) illustrates a haptic cell 310 generating haptic
effects in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
During operation, when a voltage potential applies to piezoelectric
material 305 via wires 306, piezoelectric material 305 deforms from
its original shape of piezoelectric material 304, as shown in FIG.
3(a), to expanded shape of piezoelectric material 305. Deformation
of piezoelectric material 305 causes electrical insulated layer 303
to deform or strain from its original state of layer 302, as shown
in FIG. 3(a). In an alternative embodiment, piezoelectric materials
305 return to its original state as soon as the voltage potential
is removed. It should be noted that the underlying concept of the
present invention does not change if additional blocks (circuits or
mechanical devices) are added to the device illustrated in FIG.
3(a-b). If the piezoelectric material is replaced with other
materials such as shape memory alloys ("SMAs"), such material may
be capable of maintaining its deformed shape for a period of time
after the voltage potential is removed. It should be noted that the
underlying concept of the embodiments of the present invention does
not change if different materials other than piezoelectric
actuators are employed. As such a grid of piezoelectric actuators
may be used to control the surface texture of touch-sensitive
surface of the interface device.
[0053] FIG. 4(a) is a diagram 400 illustrating another embodiment
of a haptic cell 310 using Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems
("MEMS") device 402 to generate haptic effects in accordance with
one embodiment of the present invention. Diagram 400 depicts a
block 410, which shows a top view of cell 310. Cell 310 includes a
MEMS device 402. In one embodiment, MEMS device 402 is
substantially transparent thereby the image projection from a
display, not shown in FIG. 4(a), can be viewed through block 410.
It should be noted that each of haptic cells 310 is coupled to at
least one wire to facilitate and generate haptic effects.
[0054] MEMS can be considered as an integration of mechanical
devices, sensors, and electronics on a silicon or organic
semiconductor substrate, which can be manufactured through
conventional microfabrication process. For example, the electronic
devices may be manufactured using semiconductor fabrication process
and micromechanical devices may be fabricated using compatible
microfabrication process. In one embodiment, a grid or an array of
MEMS devices 402 are made of multiple cantilever-springs. A grid of
cantilever-springs can be etched using MEMS manufacturing
techniques. Also, electrical wirings for stimulating or driving
cantilever-springs can also be directly etched onto the surface of
the MEMS device 402 thereby every single MEMS device can be
correctly addressed. MEMS cantilevers can be stimulated using a
resonant drive (for vibrotactile) or direct actuation
(kinesthetic).
[0055] FIG. 4(b) illustrates a side view of MEMS device 402,
wherein MEMS device 412 can be stimulated or deformed from its
original state of MEMS device 402 to deformed state of MEMS device
414 when a voltage potential across MEMS device is applied.
Displacement 404 between the original state and the deformed state
depends on the composition of materials used and the size of MEMS
device 402. Although smaller MEMS devices 402 are easier to
fabricate, they offer smaller displacement 404. In one embodiment,
cantilever-springs can be made of piezo materials. It should be
noted that the actuation of piezo material is generally
vibrotactile sensation. It should be further noted that piezo
material can be used as a sensor for sensing fingertip positions
and depressions.
[0056] MEMS device 402, in another embodiment, uses shape memory
alloy ("SMA") in place of cantilever-spring as mentioned above. The
actuation generated by MEMS device 402 using SMA provides
kinesthetic actuation. SMA, also known as memory metal, could be
made of copper-zinc-aluminum, copper-aluminum-nickel,
nickel-titanium alloys, or a combination of copper-zinc-aluminum,
copper-aluminum-nickel, and/or nickel-titanium alloys. Upon
deforming from SMA's original shape, SMA regains its original shape
in accordance with an ambient temperature and/or surrounding
environment. It should be noted that the present invention may
combine piezoelectric elements, cantilever-spring, and/or SMA to
achieve a specific haptic sensation. As such, a grid of MEMS device
402 may be used to control the surface texture of touch-sensitive
surface of the interface device.
[0057] FIG. 5(a) is a side view diagram of an interface device 500
illustrating an array of haptic cells 502 with thermal fluid
pockets 504 in accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention. Device 500 includes an insulated layer 506, a haptic
layer 512, and a display 508. While the top surface of insulated
layer 506 is capable of receiving inputs from a user, the bottom
surface of insulated layer 506 is placed adjacent to the top
surface of haptic layer 512. The bottom surface of haptic layer 512
is placed adjacent to display 508, wherein haptic layer 512 and
insulated layer 506 may be substantially transparent thereby
objects or images displayed in display 508 can be seen through
haptic layer 512 and insulated layer 506. It should be noted that
display 508 is not a necessary component in order for the interface
device to function.
[0058] Haptic layer 512, in one embodiment, includes a grid of
fluid filled cells 502, which further includes at least one thermal
fluid pocket 504 and an associated activating cell 510. It should
be noted that each of fluid filled cells 502 can include multiple
thermal fluid pockets 504 and associated activating cells 510. In
another embodiment, a fluid filled cell 502 includes multiple
associated or shared activating cells 510 thereby initiating a
different activating cell generates a different haptic
sensation(s).
[0059] Activating cell 510, in one embodiment, is a heater, which
is capable of heating an associated thermal fluid pocket 504.
Various electrical, optical, and mechanical techniques relating to
heating technology can be used to fabricate activating cells 510.
For example, various electrically controlled resistors can be used
for activating cells 510, wherein resistors can be implanted in
haptic layer 512 during the fabrication. Alternatively, optical
stimulators such as infrared lasers can be used as activating cells
510 to heat up thermal fluid pockets 504. Optical stimulator, for
example, can be mounted at the edge of the interface device. It
should be noted that activating cells 510 can be any types of
optical or radioactive stimulator as long as it can perform the
function of a heating device. Activating cells 510 may also use
rear mounted thermal stimulators, which are similar technologies
like hot plasma displays such as are commonly found in flat panel
plasma televisions.
[0060] Device 500 further includes a set of control wires, not
shown in FIG. 5(a), wherein each of activating cells 510 is coupled
to at least one pair of wires. The wires are configured to transmit
activating/deactivating control signals, which are used to drive
activating cells 510. It should be noted that each of fluid filled
cells 502 is addressable using signals from wires or wireless
networks. Display 508, in one aspect, can be a flat panel display
or a flexible display. In an alternative embodiment, the physical
location of display 508 is exchangeable with haptic layer 512.
Also, thermal fluid pockets 504, in one embodiment, can be
activated by a piezoelectric grid.
[0061] Thermal fluid pockets 504, in one embodiment, include fluid
with physical properties of low specific heat and high thermal
expansion. Examples of this fluid include glycerin, ethyl alcohol,
or the like. Thermal fluid pockets 504 are capable of producing
multiple localized strains in response to multiple touches received
by insulated layer 506. Each localized strain is created by a
heated thermal fluid pocket 504 wherein the heat is generated by an
associated activating cell 510. In one embodiment, a thermal fluid
pocket 504 changes its physical shape in accordance with the
temperature of the fluid in the pocket. In another embodiment,
fluid filled cell 502 has an active cooling system, which is used
to restore the expanded shape of thermal fluid pocket 504 to its
original shape after it is deactivated. The control of fluid
temperature affects haptic bandwidth. Rapid rising of fluid
temperature and fast heat dissipation of fluid enhance haptic
bandwidth of thermal fluid packets.
[0062] The physical size of each fluid cell 502 can also affect the
performance of the cell for generating haptic sensation(s). For
example, if the size of fluid cell 504 is smaller than 1/2
fingertip, the performance of cell 504 enhances because smaller
cell permits rapid heat dissipation as well as quick temperature
rising of fluid in the cell. In another embodiment, thermal plastic
pockets filled with plastic fluid are used in place of thermal
fluid pockets 504 filled with thermally sensitive fluid to enhance
the haptic effects. Using thermal plastic pockets filled with
plastic-like fluid can produce high thermal plastic strain. For
example, a type of plastic fluid is polyethylene. Thermal plastic
pockets can also provide different and unique haptic sensations to
the user. In another embodiment, some exotic fluids such as
electrorheological and/or magnetorheological fluid can be used in
place of thermal fluid in thermal fluid pockets 504. Thermal fluid
pockets 504 filled with electrorheological fluid can be stimulated
by a local or remote electrical field, while thermal fluid pockets
504 filled with magnetorheological fluid can be stimulated by a
local or remote magnetic field.
[0063] FIG. 5(b) is a side view diagram for an interface device 550
illustrating an array of haptic cells 502 using thermal fluid
pockets 554 in accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention. Device 550 also shows an activated thermal fluid pocket
554 and an activated activating cell 560. During the operation,
thermal fluid pocket 554 increases its physical volume (or size)
from its original state 556 to expanded thermal fluid pocket 554
when activating cell 560 is activated. When activating cell 560 is
activated, it provides heat 562 to thermal fluid pocket 554 or 556
to expand the size of thermal fluid pocket 554 or 556. Due to the
expansion of thermal fluid pocket 554, a localized portion 552 of
insulated layer 506 is created. As soon as the temperature of the
fluid in the thermal fluid pocket 554 cools down, the size of
thermal fluid pocket 554 returns to its original state 556. The
change of size between original size of a thermal fluid pocket 556
and expanded size of thermal fluid pocket 554 generates a haptic
effect. It should be noted that activating cell 560 could be an
electric heater or an optical heater such as an infrared simulator.
As such, an array of haptic cells using thermal fluid pockets 552
may be used to control the surface texture of touch-sensitive
surface of the interface device.
[0064] FIG. 6(a) is a side view diagram of an interface device 600
illustrating an array of MEMS pumps 602 in accordance with one
embodiment of the present invention. Diagram 600 includes an
insulated layer 606 and a haptic layer 612. While the top surface
of insulated layer 606 is configured to receive a touch or touches
from a user, the bottom surface of insulated layer 606 is placed
adjacent to the top surface of haptic layer 612. The bottom surface
of haptic layer 612 is, in one embodiment, placed adjacent to a
display (not shown in FIG. 6(a)), wherein haptic layer 612 and
insulated layer 606 may be substantially transparent thereby
objects or images displayed in the display can be seen through
haptic layer 612 and insulated layer 606. It should be noted that
display is not a necessary component in order for the interface
device to function.
[0065] Haptic layer 612, in one embodiment, includes a grid of MEMS
pumps 602, which further includes at least one pocket 604. Each
MEMS pump 602 includes a pressurized valve 608 and a depressurized
valve 610. Pressurized valve 608 is coupled to an inlet tube 614
while depressurized valve 610 is coupled to an outlet tube 616. In
one embodiment, inlet tube 614, which is under high liquid
pressure, is used to pump liquid through pressurized valve 608 to
expand pocket 604. Similarly, outlet tube 616, which is under low
pressure, is used to release the liquid through depressurized valve
610 to release the pressure from pocket 604. It should be noted
that MEMS pumps 602 can be coupled to the same pressurized liquid
reservoir. It should be further noted that pressurized valve 608
and depressurized valve 610 can be combined into one single valve
for both inlet tube 614 and outlet tube 616. It should be further
noted that inlet tube 614 and outlet tube 616 can also be combined
into one tube.
[0066] A grid of MEMS pumps 602 includes an array of pressurized
valves 608 and depressurized valves 610, wherein pressurized valves
608 are coupled with a rear or a side mounted liquid reservoir
under pressure while depressurized valves 610 are coupled to a rear
or a side mounted depressurized liquid reservoir with low pressure.
Valves 608-610 control the filling and emptying the liquid pockets
604 in MEMS pumps 602 to produce localized strain. An advantage of
using pressurized liquid reservoir is to quickly deform the surface
of insulated layer 606 and to maintain the deformation with minimal
or no energy consumption (or expenditure). It should be noted that
MEMS pump 602 can also use pressurized air or other gases to
achieve similar results as liquid.
[0067] Device 600 further includes a set of control wires 617-618,
which can be used to control pressurized valve 608 and
depressurized valve 610, respectively. It should be noted that each
valve in haptic layer 612 is addressable using electrical signals
transmitted from wires or wireless network.
[0068] FIG. 6(b) illustrates two diagrams of an interface device
620 and 650 having an array of MEMS pumps 604 in accordance with
one embodiment of the present invention. Device 620 illustrates an
activated pocket 623, which includes an activated inlet valve 630
and a deactivated outlet valve 632. During an operation, pocket 623
increases its physical volume (or size) from its original state 624
to its expanded pocket 623 when inlet valve 630 is activated. When
inlet valve 630 is activated (or open) in response to electrical
signal from wire 628, inlet tube 625 pumps liquid 626 from
pressurized reservoir to pocket 623. Due to the expansion of pocket
623, a localized strain 622 of insulated layer 606 is created.
[0069] Device 650 illustrates an activated MEMS pump returns from
its expanded state of pocket 623 to the original state of pocket
653. When depressurized valve 660 is activated, depressurized valve
660 releases liquid 656 from pocket 653 to low pressurized outlet
654. It should be noted that depressurized valve 660 is controlled
by at least one control signal via wire 658. The changing in volume
between original size of pocket 604 and expanded size of pocket 623
generates haptic effects. As such, an array of MEMS pumps 602 may
be used to control the surface texture of touch-sensitive surface
of the interface device.
[0070] FIG. 7 illustrates a side view diagram for an interface
device 700 having an array of haptic cells 702 using variable
porosity membrane 710 in accordance with one embodiment of the
present invention. Device 700 includes an insulated layer 706 and a
haptic layer 712. While the top surface of insulated layer 706 is
configured to receive inputs from a user, the bottom surface of
insulated layer 706 is placed adjacent to the top surface of haptic
layer 712. The bottom surface of haptic layer 712 is, in one
embodiment, placed adjacent to a display (not shown in FIG. 7),
wherein haptic layer 712 and insulated layer 706 may be
substantially transparent thereby objects or images displayed in
the display can be seen through haptic layer 712 and insulated
layer 706. It should be noted that display is not a necessary
component in order for the interface device to function.
[0071] Haptic layer 712, in one embodiment, includes a grid of
haptic cells 702, inlet valves 703, and outlet valves 704. Haptic
cells 702, in one embodiment, are pockets capable of containing
fluid. Haptic layer 712 is similar to haptic layer 612 as shown in
FIG. 6(a) except that haptic layer 712 employs porosity membranes.
While each inlet valve 703 is controlled by control signal(s)
transmitted by wire 713, each outlet valve 704 is controlled by
electrical signals transmitted over a wire 714. Every inlet valve
703 or outlet valve 704 employs at least one porosity membrane 710.
Porosity membranes 710 are coupled (or face) to a liquid reservoir
wherein each membrane 710 is configured to control how much liquid
should enter and/or pass through membrane 710. An advantage of
using porosity membranes is to maintain the deformation of
insulated layer 706 with minimal or no energy consumption. As such,
a grid of haptic cells using variable porosity membrane 710 may be
used to control the surface texture of touch-sensitive surface of
the interface device.
[0072] FIG. 8 is a side view of an interface device 800 having an
array of haptic cells 802 using various resonant devices in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Device 800
includes an insulated layer 806 and a haptic layer 812. While the
top surface of insulated layer 806 is configured to receive an
input from a user, the bottom surface of insulated layer 806 is
placed adjacent to the top surface of haptic layer 812. The bottom
surface of haptic layer 812 is, in one embodiment, placed adjacent
to a display (not shown in FIG. 8), wherein haptic layer 812 and
insulated layer 806 may be substantially transparent thereby
objects or images displayed in the display can be seen through
haptic layer 812 and insulated layer 806. It should be noted that
insulated layer 806 may be flexible whereby it is capable of
providing desirable relief information on its surface.
[0073] Haptic layer 812, in one embodiment, includes a grid of
haptic cells 802, wherein each cell 802 further includes a
permanent magnet 804, an electro magnet 810, and two springs 808.
Haptic layer 812 is similar to haptic layer 612 shown in FIG. 6(a)
except that haptic layer 812 employs resonant devices while haptic
layer 612 uses MEMS pumps. Haptic cell 802, in one embodiment, uses
a resonant mechanical retractable device to generate haptic
effects. The resonant mechanical retractable device vibrates in
response to a unique frequency, which could be generated by a side
mounted resonant stimulator 816 or a rear mounted resonant
stimulator 814. A resonant grid, in one embodiment, is used to form
a haptic layer 812. Each cell 802 is constructed using resonant
mechanical elements such as Linear Resonant Actuator ("LRA") or
MEMS springs. Each cell 802, however, is configured to have a
slightly different resonant frequency and a high Q (high
amplification at resonance and a narrow resonant frequency band).
As such, each cell 802 can be stimulated using mechanical pressure
waves originating at the edges of the sheet. The haptic effects can
also be generated by a piezoelectric or other high bandwidth
actuator.
[0074] Cell 802, in another embodiment, includes one spring 808. In
yet another embodiment, cell 802 includes more than two springs
808. Each spring 808 is configured to respond to a specific range
of frequencies thereby each spring 808 can produce a unique haptic
sensation. As such, a grid of haptic cells using various resonant
devices may be used to control the surface texture of
touch-sensitive surface of the interface device. For example, if
the displacement of haptic mechanism is sufficiently high such as
200 micrometers or greater, the movement (or tactile vibration)
with low frequencies such as 50 Hz or less should sufficiently
create desirable relief information.
[0075] The exemplary embodiment(s) of the present invention
includes various processing steps which will be described below.
The steps of the embodiments may be embodied in machine or computer
executable instructions. The instructions can be used to cause a
general purpose or special purpose system, which is programmed with
the instructions, to perform the steps of the present invention.
Alternatively, the steps of the present invention may be performed
by specific hardware components that contain hard-wired logic for
performing the steps, or by any combination of programmed computer
components and custom hardware components. While embodiments of the
present invention will be described with reference to the Internet,
the method and apparatus described herein is equally applicable to
other network infrastructures or other data communications
environments.
[0076] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a process 500 of
providing locating features on a deformable haptic surface in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. At block
902, the process maintains the touch-sensitive surface in a first
surface characterization. The first surface characterization, for
example, is a rough surface texture. In one embodiment, the process
maintains a coarse textured surface. The coarse textured surface
has a rough surface including bumps or sharp edges emulating edges
of a button. After block 902, the process moves to block 904.
[0077] At block 904, the process receives a command for activating
haptic feedback. For example, the process receives a command
initiated by a user. Alternatively, the process receives a command
issued by a logic processing device. After block 904, the process
proceeds to the next block.
[0078] At block 906, the process activates a haptic mechanism in
response to the command. The process, in one embodiment, creates
bump or button sensation on the surface of the touch-sensitive
surface. For example, the process activates the haptic mechanism by
allowing various pins on the haptic mechanism to reach above or
below the touch-sensitive surface to create bump or button
sensation. In one embodiment, the process facilitates or controls
the pins in a predefined conduit to control the texture of the
surface. Alternatively, the process shifts the haptic mechanism
laterally with respect to the touch-sensitive surface to form bump
or hole sensation on the touch surface. Also, the process pushes
the touch-sensitive surface to control surface texture by buckling
the touch surface. Once the haptic mechanism is deactivated, the
touch surface or touch-sensitive surface returns to its surface
original texture format. After block 906, the process moves to the
next block.
[0079] At block 908, the process generates haptic feedback to
change surface texture of the touch-sensitive surface from a first
surface characterization to a second surface characterization. In
one embodiment, the process also senses a contact or a touch on the
touch-sensitive surface and subsequently, generates an input signal
in response to the contact. In another embodiment, the process
further generates confirmation tactile feedback to confirm the
sensed contact or touch on the touch-sensitive surface. After block
908, the process ends.
[0080] While particular embodiments of the present invention have
been shown and described, it will be obvious to those skilled in
the art that, based upon the teachings herein, changes and
modifications may be made without departing from this invention and
its broader aspects. Therefore, the appended claims are intended to
encompass within their scope of all such changes and modifications
as are within the true spirit and scope of the exemplary
embodiment(s) of the present invention.
* * * * *